Brown Recluses

Yeah, we have 'em. Fortunately I do not have arachnophobia. It's close, but it's not there. In fact, I've peacefully coexisted with quite a number of brown spiders for the last year or two in the basement. I even had a friend who I watched go through his entire life cycle over the course of a few weeks.

I always assumed they were wood spiders, perfectly harmless.

Then we discovered that they are brown recluses. Naturally I freaked.

We (ok, Brandy and Julie) got rid of a bunch of em. But it's still freaky. Knowing they were brown recluses. Downright freaky.

We were going to get all of our Christmas boxes moved to the attic prior to Andy's party. This won't be happening now, as that's the kind of place where my friends the recluses like to hang out. I'll wait until we can get an exterminator.

Freaky.

Spheksophobia Season is Here!

Yes, spheksophobia. It's the fear of wasps. Actually it's the fear of stinging insects. Ever since I was stung in the head by a wasp at age 10 I've had spheksophobia. When I see anything with a stinger be it a wasp, hornet, or even a honeybee, I run. I need to get away from the thing. In fact there are a few days throughout the spring and summer where these insects are out in full force. I don't even go outside on these days.

Sure, make fun of me for it. Everyone else does. This adds to the anxiety knowing that I'll be ridiculed for it, which in the end exacerbates the problem.

I know it's an irrational fear, as is my fear of heights and my fear of water. That's why it's a full-blown phobia, not just a fear.

I've heard that there are shrinks who can help one fix phobias in one session. Maybe it will be worth forking over the dough for an hour or 2 to get rid of this fear and the ridicule that goes along with it.

Oh well. Back to my work. Happy Monday everyone.